More than 300 former Woolworths stores are still empty more than a year-and-a-half after the retailer went under.

About 40% of the group’s stores have never been re-occupied, although this is down from 60% in July last year, according to The Local Data Company.

The group warned that some experts think up to 20% of the group’s premises, about 150 stores, may never be used by retailers again.

Stores which have got new tenants are most likely to have been taken over by discount shops and supermarkets.

Nearly one in four of the group’s stores now houses a discount retailer, while 15% have become supermarkets.

Other stores have been turned into department stores, clothes shops and household goods stores, with a few chemists, carpet shops, bookstores and convenience stores.

Frozen food chain Iceland has taken over the highest number of Woolworths’ tenancies at just over 60, including an additional 20 during the past year, followed by 99p Stores, B&M Bargains and Poundland.

Just over 2% of the 807 former Woolworths stores are on their second tenant.

The group’s stores are most likely to have been reoccupied in Greater London at 81%, followed by those in Yorkshire and the Humber area at 64%.

The North East has seen the biggest improvement in occupancy levels during the past year, with the number of former stores that are being used again rising from 10% to 55%.

Matthew Hopkinson, business development director at The Local Data Company, said: “This snapshot shows that take-up of ex-Woolworths stores has continued, with a majority now being occupied.

“There are, however, a significant number that, for whatever reason, have not been reoccupied, some in centres that you would least expect such as Cirencester.”

Andrew Garbutt, retail and leisure director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “The Local Data Company’s research shows that the UK high street is experiencing a gradual recovery, with vacant ex-Woolworths stores being filled gradually.

“This will continue as landlords realise what their property is actually worth in today’s market and since the abolition of empty property business rates relief.”

Woolworths went into administration in 2008 after facing increased competition from supermarkets and online retailers.

All of its stores were closed in January 2009, after some continued to trade during the festive season.